Ocean Village launch new Caribbean itineraries

Ocean Village have introduced new 14 night cruises for their winter 2009-2010 season in the Caribbean. The launch of longer cruises allows new ports of call to be added that could previously not have been visited during a one week sailing.

Ocean Village’s two ships, Ocean Village and Ocean Village 2, will be operating three fl/cruise itineraries departing from Barbados. ‘Hammocks and Harbours’ is the first of these, visiting the centre of the Caribbean with ports of call at Samana in the Dominican Republic and Grand Turk.

‘Beaches and Breezes’ promises a taste of the Latin flavour in the southern Caribbean, including visits at Mayreau and Isla Margarita.

And last but not least there are two sailings of ‘Jungles and Jetties’, a grand tour from Barbados to the Panama Canal, with destinations along the way such as Colon.

Ocean Village’s fresh new itineraries offer the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten Caribbean cruises track and experience more of what the Caribbean has to offer.

Oasis of the Seas cruises go on sale

Cruises on the worlds most eagerly anticipated ship Oasis of the Seas are set to go on sale from 1pm on Wednesday 3^rd September 2008. Royal Caribbean Cruises newest addition to the fleet, Oasis of the Seas, will make its first revenue sailing on the 12^th December 2009 from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Royal Caribbean Cruises will not be offering any early booking discounts and expect the first cruises on Oasis of the Seas to be the fastest selling in history. Prices for a nine-night fly/cruise including return flights from the UK and a seven-night Caribbean cruise on board Oasis of the Seas will start from £1,299 per person.

The inaugural season will begin with 19 consecutive seven-night sailings to the Eastern Caribbean, with ports of call at Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas; Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and Nassau, Bahamas. From the 1 May 2010, Oasis of the Seas will alternate its Eastern Caribbean itinerary with the Western Caribbean itinerary, which will call at Labadee, Royal Caribbean International’s private beach destination in Haiti; the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Oasis of the Seas is almost 40 per cent larger than any other cruise ship to date and will feature some of the most innovative and exciting amenities at sea including Central Park, an open air space in the centre of the ship with lush, tropical gardens with al fresco dining and street entertainment. Other highlights will be the Boardwalk, a family orientated area inspired by seaside piers with the first carousel at sea and opening onto the AquaTheater, an open air amphitheatre space with two 43 foot rock climbing walls and zip-line suspended nine decks above.

The new loft staterooms will be the most luxurious accommodation available at sea, with spectacular views of the ocean from floor-to-ceiling double-height windows. Loft suites will feature a modern spacious living area with contemporary detailing and a private balcony with sun chairs. Prices for a nine-night fly/cruise including accommodation in a loft stateroom start from £2,999 per person.

Jo Rzymowska, associate vice president and general manager, Royal Caribbean International, UK and Ireland, said:
“Oasis of the Seas is the most hyped holiday experience ever to be available. We are predicting a day of mammoth sales on 3rd September. The prices represent phenomenal value for money and includes access to some of the most groundbreaking facilities ever available from a leisure resort, especially when you consider that this one will be at sea.”

Princess Cruises release schedules for 2009-2010 Caribbean and Mexican Riviera Cruises

Princess Cruises have now announced their new season of cruises to the sun drenched Caribbean and Mexican Riviera. The relaxing voyages of 7 to 14 days offer guests the opportunity to experience these magical ports and take in the dramatic scenery, colourful cultures, and white sand beaches whilst also enjoying the delights of Princess Cruises large, amenity filled ships.

Princess Cruises will feature 13 itineraries in the Caribbean with 6 ships sailing to more than 25 ports. Ruby Princess will take over Princess Cruises 10 day Eastern and Southern Caribbean voyages, offering visits to some of the less visited ports in the region.

Emerald Princess will be sailing the Eastern Caribbean itinerary and Crown Princess the Western Caribbean. Caribbean Princess will continue to sail on alternative 7 day Southern Caribbean sailings from San Juan. Princess Cruise’s Grand Princess will be returning with an extensive 14 day Caribbean Collection route and Sea Princess will be taking to the sea’s again with a 14 day cruise from Barbados.

The Mexican Riviera will be visited by Sapphire Princess sailing the 7 day Mexican Riviera route from Los Angeles and Star Princess will be cruising for a 10 day journey from Barbados.

"The Caribbean and Mexican Riviera both offer the delightful sense of fun and make for a wonderful warm weather escape," said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. "And passengers will also be able to enjoy an array of fantastic ships on these routes, including Caribbean Princess and Star Princess with brand new piazza-style atriums and a number of new features."

CRUISE LINES SEEING CALM FINANCIAL SEAS DESPITE ECONOMIC TIDAL WAVES

With fuel prices going up and the US economy going down, the consensus might be that the cruise industry is facing harder times in 2008. But that's not the case at all.

"The booking picture is quite strong at this time," Howard Frank, the vice chairman of Miami-based Carnival Corp., told investors.

In fact, Frank added, even though Carnival's fleet capacity is expected to rise by 9% in 2008, "we have less inventory left at this time to sell through the remainder of the year."

Analysts say there are a couple of reasons the cruise industry is upbeat despite the strong economic headwinds.

For one, cruise lines are increasingly shifting resources to Europe.

Carnival's capacity in Europe, for example, will grow 21.7% this year; in contrast, its capacity in North America will grow just 3.4%

European cruises can command higher prices and are shielded somewhat from the struggling American economy.

"For those who wrestle with how Carnival could be seeing such strong booking trends when there is so much concern about the US consumer, the answer is: Easy comps and a lower mix of Caribbean deployments," wrote Robin Farley, a cruise industry analyst for UBS, in a note to investors.

But skyrocketing fuel costs still pose a threat. UBS analysts projected that Carnival's fuel costs per day will rise nearly one third from a year ago.

Cruise lines are also counting on consumers to shoulder more of the expense. Carnival, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. and most other cruise companies -- with the exception of Disney Cruise Line -- have announced new fuel surcharges that will cost passengers an extra $5 per day.

Report by David Wilkening

CUNARD QUEEN MARY 2 CARIBBEAN SUPER BARGAIN

Your chance to enjoy two fabulous holidays in one at a special promotional price.

Spend 2 nights in Manhattan – shop till you drop on 5^th Ave, stop for lunch in the food court at Macys, watch the sunset at the top of the Empire State building, take in a Broadway show, marvel at the Statue of Liberty , check out Central Park , the museums and the art galleries.

Or Spend 2 nights in Fort Lauderdale relaxing on the seemingly endless stretch White sand beach or exploring the inland waterways and millionaires mansions. Perhaps visit the huge Sawgrass Mills designer outlet shopping mall , visit the Everglades , take the Mississippi Steamboat Queen evening BBQ cruise or even a fishing charter.

After all that take a well deserved rest in the Caribbean sunshine among the Art Deco grandeur of the Queen Mary 2. Be sure to try out the Canyon Ranch Spa , the Planetarium, fish & chips in the Golden Lion Pub and book a romantic dinner in the Todd English restaurant. We also recommend dinner reservations for one of the fabulous Kings Court restaurants for speciality waiter service dinning with an oceanview .

Itin 1: Fly UK to New York. 2 Night hotel stay . Cruise 10 nights to Tortola - St Kitts - Barbados - St Lucia - St Thomas - New York. Fly Home overnight.

Itin 2: Fly UK to New York. 2 Night hotel stay. Cruise 13 nights to Limon (Costa Rica), Cristobal (Panama Canal), Curacao, Bonaire, St Lucia , St Thomas, New York. Fly Home.

Itin 3: Fly UK to Miami. 2 Night Fort Lauderdale hotel stay. Cruise 10 nights to Curacao – Grenada – Barbados – St Lucia – St Kitts – St Thomas – Fort Lauderdale. Fly Home overnight.

Itin 4: Fly UK to Miami. 2 Night Fort Lauderdale hotel stay. Cruise 14 nights to Cristobal (Panama canal) , Bonaire , Grenada , Barbados , St Lucia , Dominica , St Kitts , Tortola , St Thomas , Fort Lauderdale. Fly Home Overnight

Flights from Manchester , Glasgow and Belfast direct to New York and Indirect to Fort Lauderdale are available at a supplement.

Dep Date	Itinerary	Nights	Inside	Balcony	Queens Grill Suite
31-Jan-08	2	16	£1,359	£1,599	Sold Out
17-Feb-08	1	13	£949	Sold Out	£2,099
27-Feb-08	1	13	£899	Sold Out	£1999
08-Mar-08	1	13	£999	£1,299	£2,399
22-Mar-08	2	16	£1,399	£1,699	£2,899
27-Nov-08	3	13	£1,249	£1,449	£2,559
07-Dec-08	3	13	£1,099	£1,299	£2,899
17-Dec-08	4	17	£2,399	£2,599	£6,899

Manchester Supplement	Glasgow Supplement	Belfast Supplement
£100	£100	£100
£70	£135	£130
£100	£120	£120
£20	£135	£80
£90	£150	£200
£50	£50	£100
£50	£50	£100
£100	£100	£150

Add extra nights in New York from only £69pp.

Add extra nights In Fort Lauderdale from only £59pp

CARNIVAL DESTINY TO OPERATE NEW SIX-PORT CARIBBEAN CRUISE PROGRAM FROM SAN JUAN IN MARCH 2008

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny will launch a seven-day cruise program from San Juan to the southern Caribbean featuring extended calls at six tropical destinations – St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Thomas/St. John.

The new schedule begins March 2, 2008. St. Thomas is one of the most popular islands in the Caribbean and is included on many Caribbean itineraries. The other islands are less visited and feature interesting architecture and Caribbean customs, as well as spectacular scenery.

CARNIVAL CRUISES ANNOUNCES “UNIQUE” ITINERARY

Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,642-passenger Carnival Destiny will launch what it calls a "unique seven-day cruise program" from San Juan featuring extended calls at six tropical destinations – St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Thomas/St. John.

"Carnival Destiny's new seven-day program offers consumers the unmatched opportunity to visit six different Caribbean destinations including rarely visited ports and some of the Caribbean's most popular islands, each offering unforgettable and unique experiences ashore," said Vicki Freed, Carnival's senior vice president of sales and guest services.

Featured on the new itinerary is a day-long stop at St. Kitts, an island offering a landscape of rugged mountains and dense rainforest, which serves as a dramatic backdrop to beaches that range in colour from black to golden. The island also offers examples of West Indian and Creole architecture, as well as centuries-old fortresses and plantations.

Another stop, Antigua, at 108 square miles is the largest of the Leeward Islands and known for a multitude of beaches, some 365 of them, in fact, or "one for every day of the year." Antigua also features a variety of historical sites.

The Carnival Destiny houses 18 lounges and bars, including a sports bar, wine bar, piano bar, and a multi-level theatre showcasing lavish revues. Its family friendly amenities include "Camp Carnival" and "Club O2," with facilities and activities for children and teens, respectively.

The new schedule begins next March 2.

Report by David Wilkening

LATE DEALS OF THE THE CENTURY

Who would ever have thought you could go on a Caribbean cruise for less than £200 pp or a Mediterranean cruise including flights for less than £500pp. Well you can and even better they are on board the 5* Celebrity Century.

Check out 12th Nov 2007 11 Night Mediterranean cruise from only £499pp including tax and return direct flights from London. Cruise from Barcelona to Provence - Nice - Livorno (Florence / Pisa) - Rome - Ajaccio - Tangiers - Casablanca - Valencia and back to Barcelona. The great thing about this cruise is that the ports of call and the cruise itself are not dependant on the weather. The cities are destinations in their own right with lots of things to see and do without the necessity for warm sunshine.

The 10 night option costs just £459pp including flights and departs on 2nd Nov 2007.

Alternatively beat the post Christmas blues and escape for some Winter Caribbean sunshine on 7th Jan 2008 with a 5 night cruise sailing from Miami to Key West and Grand Cayman from only £179pp including tax. Make it a complete holiday with return flights from London, 2 nights living the highlife amid the Art deco splendour of Miami South Beach and the 5 night cruise from only £599pp for the complete package.

Celebrity is the 5 star sister company to the popular Royal Caribbean brand. The Century was the first in the trio of Century class ships which also includes the Galaxy and the Mercury. She entered service in December 1995 and underwent extensive refurbishment in May 2006. The refurbishment included the addition of Balconies to the Concierge class and 2A grade staterooms on the Penthouse, Vista and Panorama decks. A new Aqua Spa was installed with an aromatic Persian Garden, together with a new Spa cafe, Martini Bar and speciality restaurant.

The smallest staterooms (at 170 square feet) on board the Century are larger than the smallest staterooms on the mega ships of the Royal Caribbean fleet. This 71,000 tonne ship carries just 1800 passengers giving you lots of space and personalised service.

The Century boasts 9 bars, 7 restaurants, casino, Theatre, Cinema, 2 swimming pools, extensive spa & fitness centre, 4 hot tubs, shops, cova cafe and internet cafe.

MEXICO BECOMES WORLD’S NO. 1 CRUISE MARKET

What's the world's No 1 cruise destination? The Mexican Caribbean, says the Secretary of Tourism.

A document from the agency shows that almost one third of the world's cruise tourists visit the Mexican Caribbean, while almost 45% visit the rest of the Mexican coast.

Mexico last received a total of 6.5 million passengers. Cozumel, in the state of Quintana Roo, was named the most active port. The island had almost 2.4 million passengers.

"The cruise tourism in Mexico has experienced a rapid growth in the last 10 years," says the report.

The number of tourists that visited the country in a cruise tripled from 1996 to 2006.

The Mexican Riviera cruise experience is popular for Southern California tourists using ports at Baja Mexico and the Pacific Coast. There are often three-to-eight day cruises.

"In addition to the already established destinations – such as the ones from Riviera Maya, the ports of Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas in Baja California, and the traditional ports of Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Acapulco – Mexico keeps attracting cruise companies to new places in the country," says the government.

Starting in 2008, Puerto Dos Barcos in the state of Tabasco will begin receiving cruises from cruise lines Holland America and The World. Meanwhile, Puerto Chiapas was included this year as one of the ports of call for some of the larger cruise ships.

WHY CRUISE INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW: VAST CHOICES

Cruise travel continues to grow for several reasons, including the fact that many cruisers can drive to their ship, says Cruise Line International Association (CLIA).

Two other reasons: the growing availability of spas and the ability to explore exotic Caribbean destinations.

"One of the important things is no matter what you think you want to do on a vacation, or no matter what you have done and like, you can probably replicate that experience on a cruise," said Bob Sharak, executive vice president of marketing for CLIA.

Twelve ships are taking maiden voyages this year — with several embarking from Southeast ports — and eight new vessels are scheduled to debut next year, according to CLIA.

In the next five years, 40 ships will be introduced, increasing the number of beds from 265,000 to 335,000.

Some of the newest ships offer activities ranging from ice skating to surfing.

Costa and Carnival Cruise Lines as well as Celebrity's new Azamara Cruises brand, have suites next to spas, with perks such as in-room services and restaurants.